In this episode, Dr. Knight talks briefly about the way our brains our wired to resist feedback and/or criticism. When we hear potentially negative things about ourselves many of us become defensive.   Some have posited that the brain views criticism as a threat to survival even when feedback is provided in a positive manner.  The brain tends not to remember clearly negative or critical threats it receives so when we hear information that conflicts with our self-image, our instinct is to first change the information, rather than focus on the behavior that needs to change. The ironic thing however is that although criticism (during its processing stage) is more likely to be remembered incorrectly, we don’t often forget it. This is called negativity bias; meaning that receiving criticism has a greater impact than receiving praise.  This is why feedback should always be carefully provided in a caring, positive, constructive, meaningful and respectful manner.

In this episode, Dr. Knight discusses the spiritual and practical phenomena of “When the student is ready, the teacher appears”. In a spiritual context, the manifestations of situations arise in our lives in an attempt to teach us various lessons in life. When the student reaches a point of “receptiveness” of learning this particular lesson in a cognitive, emotional and spiritual sense, the teacher (an event, purpose, object) will appear. In the same sense, as learners, we must be  prepared, open and receptive to learning before anyone can really teach us anything..particularly in the sense of being a life-long learner….and engaging in higher level learning or metacognition.  As educators, the teacher who appears when the student is ready is the educator who is focused on the learner, constantly assessing when the learner is ready for deeper  and active level learning.  Dr. Knight provides practical ways for both educators and learners , as both partners in the learning process, to best optimize readiness for learning.

In this episode, Dr. Knight discusses the importance to leverage patient teaching skills using systematic frameworks such as Adult Learning Principles. It is critical that nurses understand not only what to teach clients but as well how to teach clients about their health. Collaborating with the patient and their family in a dynamic information sharing approach centers on the concepts of adult learning principles. These principles include:

* Need to Know* Self-Concept* The Role of Experience* Readiness to Learn* Orientation to Learning* Motivation

In this episode Dr. Knight talks about the essence of enthusiasm and passion to engage learners. As teachers we often lose the luster of teaching others due the complexities of our lives and professional responsibilities. Maintaining one’s enthusiasm and passion operates from the inner Law of Intent. Intention fuels energy furthermore driving our passions. From time to time we all may feel a loss of enthusiasm or passion for what we teach and this is okay. We have to stick with the plan and remain mindful of the larger purpose at hand. Distinguishing the difference between enthusiasm and an inner professional and personal commitment to the success of others is a key factor in maintaining passion.

* In todays episode Dr. Knight briefly discusses the academic to practice knowledge gap regarding clinical judement and decision making in light of the NEW generation NCLEX standards. Dr Knight leaves listeners with three actionable steps for nurse educators to narrow practice knowledge gaps specific to clinical judgement. These steps include: (1)incorporating an increased level of nursing clinical judgement assessments and activities for nursing students (2)moving away from traditional styles of teaching to innovate  teaching methods such as incorporating techniology, real life scenerios and high quality simulation for example and (3) enhancing collaborations between educators and practioners to identify and address practice knowledge gaps.

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* In this brief episode Dr. Knight talks about the bright future of nursing in light of transformations to a value-based healthcare model and the value nurses have on delivering effective care coordination. Dr. Knight briefly touches on a few barriers subjected from a nurse staffing crisis and its’ impact on “value” and quality of care provided to clients. In addition she provides a few core skills that nurses must have in the future as the healthcare system reimbursement models transitions to value-based care and population based care driven to promote optimal health, client care satisfaction and medical compliance.

In this episode, Dr. Knight is joined with Karina Hurley, RN, BSN, the co-owner of STAT RN, a nurse staffing agency, which assists healthcare organizations in bringing competent, dependable, compassionate and experienced nurses to the bedside.  In this discussion both talk about the dynamics of nurse staffing and the critical issues of patient quality and safety secondary to the dramatic expansion of healthcare demands. Nurse staffing agencies have a unique niche that is predicted to have exponential growth to offset critical concerns of  nurse turnover, the nursing shortage and nurse retirements.  What is critical is that greater strides be taken to erase the stereotypes that were once associated with contract or temporary nurses. Travel or temporary nurses will be profoundly needed secondary to the nursing shortage crisis as trends show this sector will grow exponentially to fill the gaps.

Today on the Nurse Educator Talk Network, Dr. Melissa Knight is joined with Dr. Brittany Winestock, a family nurse practitioner and the president and founder of the Nursing Studio. Both discuss nurse empowerment and autonomy in clinical practice.   It has been found in research that high degrees of nurse autonomy and psychological empowerment are linked to improved patient outcomes, enhanced job satisfaction, reduced psychological strain and nurse retention. High levels of nurse autonomy and empowerment have also been linked to one feeling valued as a team member, and furthermore one being valued as an equal within the healthcare system.

Today Dr. Knight invites two non-healthcare professional guest to provide the patient perspective regarding empathy;  a complex concept that is often difficult to understand  and furthermore difficult to  experience, to practice, and as well to teach. Empathy is regarded as one of the most essential characteristics of a great nurse.   It is warranted that a greater restoration of empathy is necessary in our healthcare system today.  To positively change the patient experience, empathy must be at the center of every healthcare organizations culture and at the heart of every nurse.  

* Today on the Nurse Educator Talk Network Dr. Knight is joined with Kimberlyn Walthour, the owner and CEO of Healthcare Resources. Dr. Knight and Kimberlyn both transparently share their personal nurse entrepreneurial experiences adding applicable tips toward one gaining wisdom and vision as a nurse leader. Every nurse is a leader and has the capacity to influence others. Cultivating a clear vision as a leader, however requires experience and wisdom. It starts with one being self accountable, operating within one’s level of expertise, cultivating relationships, strengthening critical thinking and problem solving skills, finding the innovator within to bring about change. Begin to find your road to excellence by gaining the necessary skill set, the right education and surely you will have a personal story to share and influence others to do the same.